Home Owners Insurance

When you purchase a home, consider how you will protect your investment.

Home Insurance

Most mortgage lenders insist on fire insurance coverage at least equal to the loan amount or the building value, whichever is less.

You should also consider a homeowner's policy that combines fire insurance on the building and its contents with personal liability coverage. Consult your general insurance agent or broker for professional advice on home insurance.

Mortgage Insurance
When lenders refer to mortgage insurance, they're referring to insurance that covers the principal amount of the Mortgage in the event of non payment by the borrower and this insurance is usually provided by CHMC or GE. In the event of non payment by the borrower the insurer will pay the lender the principal amount still left owing on the default mortgage.

This mortgage premium is usually added to the mortgage and paid by the borrower over the life of the mortgage. However you do have an option to pay the premium up front.

High Ratio Insurance Premiums Calculated on Principal Amount of Mortgage

Note there is 8% PST in Ontario on the above noted premiums that must be paid on closing

Mortgage Life Insurance(MLI)

This insurance is usually offered through your lender and is a way of reducing term insurance and is available to all borrowers. In the event of a death of the home owner (borrower) or one of the owners, the insurance pays the balance owing on the mortgage. The intent is to protect survivors from losing their home. For just pennies a day, you will have peace of mind knowing your beneficiaries will be mortgage free. MLI premiums are based on two factors: your age and mortgage amount. Your premium is added to your mortgage payment so there's no extra paperwork, and it remains the same until your mortgage is paid off. Joint coverage for spouses is also available.

Disability Insurance
Disability Insurance is important if your mortgage payments depend entirely or in part on your income. Disability insurance provides replacement income if an accident or illness prevents you from working.

Job Loss Mortgage Insurance
Recently insurance companies have started to offer Job Loss Mortgage Insurance. This insurance covers the mortgage payments in the event that you involuntarily lose your job.